Population density estimate and spatial distribution of Mona monkeys (Cercopithecus mona schreiber, 1774) in Okomu national park Edo state, Nigeria

Abstract

The population density estimates and spatial distribution of Mona monkeys in Okomu National Park was carried out in this study using the line transect method. The mean density of Mona monkeys was observed to be high (26) in Okomu National park and the morning and evening censuses showed that there was significant statistical difference between the morning and evening censuses (P-value +2.45 at 0.05 threshold). The spatial distribution of Mona monkeys was observed to be more in Arakuan range than in any other range within the selected ranges due to the fact that Mona monkeys in this range are semi-habituated because of the high tourism activities in this range and the presence of the rangers camp which offered more protection to the animals and the proximity to Okomu oil palm estate.

Keywords: Mona monkeys, Population, Distribution, Okomu National Park